USA – T. Hasegawa USA, the North American subsidiary of global flavor and fragrance producer T. Hasegawa Co., has introduced a new ‘Orange Juice Replacer’ solution aimed at helping beverage manufacturers manage fluctuating costs and ingredient shortages.
This innovation comes as the food and beverage industry faces increasing supply challenges due to the citrus greening disease, Huanglongbing, which is severely impacting citrus production.
Huanglongbing, an incurable bacterial disease, is affecting citrus trees globally, leading to lower yields or unmarketable, bitter fruit.
The disease has become a growing concern for citrus producers in North America, causing supply shortages and price volatility in the beverage industry.
T Hasegawa’s new Orange Juice Replacer offers a solution by enhancing the natural citrus profile while minimizing the need for raw orange juice in beverage formulations.
According to the company, this flavor enhancement technology allows manufacturers to maintain the authentic taste of orange juice in their products while reducing reliance on raw ingredients.
The replacer is available in both powdered and liquid forms, and comes in Not From Concentrate and From Concentrate varieties.
It is suitable for a wide range of beverage applications, including ready-to-drink beverages, cocktails, juices, energy drinks, syrups, and frozen drinks.
Toshifumi Nozawa, Associate Director of Beverage Technology at T. Hasegawa USA, highlighted the significance of the Orange Juice Replacer.
“Manufacturers can maintain the high quality of their beverage products while ensuring that supply shortages and cost fluctuations will not disrupt production or increase prices with consumers,” he said.
This latest innovation follows T. Hasegawa’s recent launch of a cocoa powder alternative, aimed at helping food producers reduce their reliance on traditional raw materials without compromising flavor.
Additionally, in September, the company expanded its North American operations by acquiring Abelei Flavors, further strengthening its position in the flavor solutions market.
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